The Rebirth of a Scorned Heiress

Dark Star: The details in the flash drive got leaked.

Sinful: ….

Sinful: Have you investigated where the leak came from? Surely you are not suspecting me?

Dark Star: The investigation is still ongoing. However, apart from you and my personal team, no one else was in contact with the flash drive so you are also a suspect.

Sinful: ….

Sinful: We signed a contract; why would you want to go against it? It’s a simple work ethic for me to keep all information about my clients confidential. If I were the type to have your work leaked, would I have been recommended to you?

Lily paused, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as her eyes flickered over to the other computer screen. A smile bloomed on her face with a twinkle in her as she noticed the file she was uploading had been completed.

Sinful: How about this? Since I’m already dragged into this issue, I’ll help you investigate the whole leak thing just to clear my name.

Sinful: I’m going to be compensated for being defamed. Is that okay with you?

Dark Star: How then do I know you aren’t pushing the blame on someone else? As a suspect, having you take over the investigation will give you free rein to push it onto someone else.

Sinful: You have trust issues. Do it your way. I’ll be here waiting for your compensation.

After sending the last message, she logged out of the website and dragged her chair to the other computer.

Logging into Hamilton’s database, she fished out her scapegoat, the team assistant, Dan Vick, and immediately planted all the necessary evidence of him leaking the information into his phone, email, and even BSNK account.

Dan would be William’s last suspect since both of them had come a long way. He had worked for Williams and his father even when Lily’s mother was still alive, making him one of their most trusted surrogates.

However, one thing the father-son duo doesn’t know is that Dan would often sell the company’s information to other people for the extra cash to afford his hobbies of buying expensive limited edition cars and bikes.

Which is why Lilly picked him as a target for her plans. “They owe me a thank you that I’m helping them root out a leech,” she chuckled as she went over the details to make sure nothing was out of place.

Once done with that, she went back to doing the other job from the unknown client and Mark’s request.

Getting fake information about Mark and Watson’s group wasn’t a problem. She had gathered enough to be submitted, half of which were true.

Things that were done by Frederick and the others in the company. Surprisingly, all through her investigation she wasn’t able to find any dirt on Mark, and as much as it looks suspicious, she knows how much he tries to keep his image clean.

As she worked, her phone went off. At first, she ignored it, thinking she would attend to it at a later time, but seeing how it continued going off, she let out a frustrated sigh and picked up the call.

“It’s not polite to leave your phone ringing; weren’t you trained?” The voice asked, and Lily frowned as she tried to drop the call.

“I wouldn’t drop that call if I were you,” Frederick warned with a tut, making Lily sneer in annoyance.

“Are you threatening me?” She demanded.

“I don’t need to threaten you, Lily,” Frederick replied calmly, a hint of amusement in his voice. “I’m simply pointing out that it would be in your best interest to listen to what I have to say.”

Lily clenched her jaw, her eyes narrowing as she leaned back in her chair. “Fine,” she conceded, her voice cold and unfeeling. “What do you want, Frederick?”

“It seems you’ve been quite busy lately,” Frederick began, his tone casual yet laced with an underlying edge. “Your skills have been in high demand, and I have to say, I’m impressed with your ability to juggle multiple projects at once.”

“Get to the point,” Lily snapped, her patience wearing thin. “I don’t have time for idle chit-chat.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Frederick chuckled, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “Ah, the infamous Lily, always so direct. Very well, then. I have a proposition for you. A little quid pro quo, if you will.”

Lily’s curiosity was piqued despite her animosity towards Frederick. “I’m listening,” she said, her tone guarded.

“I heard you are working alongside Mark for his new project with the Starlite company. I mean, it’s a success despite it being the first,” he began. “I wouldn’t expect less from the genius of Watson.”

“You sound jealous,” Lily injected. “Go straight to the point I have no time to waste.”

Frederick let out an amused chuckle followed by a little breathy groan as a woman’s voice echoed through the phone.

Realising what was happening on the other side, Lily gagged and made a disgusted face.

“Since you are busy, we can talk about whatever proposal you have next time,” she offered coldly.

“There won’t be a need; we can continue our talk right now,” Frederick replied. Or do I make you feel uncomfortable? Don’t you do things like this with my cousin?”

“I’m sure what I do or don’t do in my personal relationship has nothing to do with you, Mr. Watson,” Lily snapped, already reaching her wits end.

“Yes, yes. It’s none of my business,” he replied mockingly. “So let’s continue. I said I got a deal for you, correct?”

“I am sure you are with Mark for the connection and exposure his name will bring to your business,” he began. “So how about you break up with him? In exchange, I’ll introduce you to a much bigger platform than he can.”

Lily’s eyes widened in disbelief at Frederick’s proposition. The sheer audacity of his suggestion was both appalling and intriguing. She took a moment to compose herself before responding, her voice laced with venom. “And why would I ever agree to such a proposal?”

Frederick chuckled, his confidence unwavering. “Because, my dear Lily, I can offer you something Mark can’t-an introduction to the most influential figures in the fashion industry. People who can elevate your career beyond your wildest dreams. I’m sure you know Mark only has his brain in the tech world.”

“His arms don’t cover the whole sky after all,” he added. “Name it. Big entertainment industry, celebrities. I can connect your business as long as you play along with me. So what do you say?”

“What do you gain from the arrangement?” Lily asked.

Her question was followed by a pause from the other side. “Wouldn’t you want to know?” Frederick replied. “Your involvement with him is slowing down his engagement with his childhood sweetheart.”

“And since when has his interest been your concern?”

“That’s a family matter, Miss Turner; you don’t poke your nose in family matters. What I’m offering is in your best interest; if you reject it, you’ll only have yourself to blame,” he threatened.

Lily let out a small laugh at how ridiculous his words sounded. “You’re asking me to trade my integrity for a few powerful connections,” she said, her tone icy. “I’m not sure that’s a price I’m willing to pay.”

“Integrity?” Frederick replied. “Do you have any of that left?”

“Unlike you, Mr. Watson. I have integrity, and my relationship with Mark is mutually beneficial. I’m using him as much as he is using me. It’s none of your business,” she gritted out.

“And instead of wasting your precious time threatening me, you should do more productive things. Like maybe getting yourself mentally checked.”

Frederick let out a loud laugh, his voice sounding breathy and deep. “Oh, I want to take you so bad,” he chuckled. “But I’ll let you be for now; hopefully you won’t get drowned by public opinion.”

“If you change your mind about my offer, this is my private number, and you can call anytime. See you soon, darling.”